Eyes turn to Arizona this evening when two of the league’s best begin a three-game set in the desert. The Nationals, who just had their six-game win streak snapped, will try to continue their recent dominance over the D-backs by sending out Max Scherzer (11-5, 2.01 ERA) in the series opener to meet Zack Godley (3-4, 3.09 ERA).
There’s little question that Scherzer has been the best pitcher in baseball this season. He leads the major leagues in earned run average and is second only to Chris Sale in strikeouts. In his last 10 starts, Mad Max has given up more than two runs just one time and he’s rung up 10 or more batters nine times.
Arizona may have the second-best home offense in the sport but as a team, the Diamondbacks have never won a game started by Scherzer and they’ve batted just .171 against him in 146 total at-bats in six games since 2010.
Zack Godley, though, could be the Snakes’ ticket to revelation against Max. The late-blooming righty is having a breakout season and he’s pitching phenomenally at the elevated conditions of Chase Field with a 2.51 ERA in 32.1 innings of work at home in 2017.
If you are going to take the Nats on the road, you may have to consider a runline bet if you want to avoid making a chalky pick and, looking at the trends, that could be the right play.
Washington Nationals vs Arizona Diamondbacks Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Arizona Diamondbacks bring a 55-40 record to the battle against the 57-37 Nationals. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Arizona vs Washington injuries news.
According to MLB Power Rankings here, it's the No. 11-ranked Arizona Diamondbacks and the No. 6-rated Washington Nationals in this matchup.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Arizona Diamondbacks No. 6-rated offense, averaging 5.06 runs per game, against a Washington Nationals defense that ranks No. 12 at 4.45 in runs allowed per game. The Arizona Diamondbacks have averaged 8.91 hits per game so far, less than Washington Nationals batters have averaged on the year (9.7 hits per game).
Arizona owns the No. 2 defense, allowing 5.06 men per game to cross the plate. That contrasts with Washington's No. 12-rated defense.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Alex Meyer shut down the Nationals in their last game, striking out 7 in a 7-0 shutout over Washington in baseball action at Angel Stadium.
Arizona enjoyed a laugher in their last game on Thursday, running up a 12-2 score against the Reds.
Next Betting Matchups
Washington at Arizona, Saturday, July 22